Dumb charging system question

[svt4cam]

Was on my way home today with kid and dogs in tow, stopped at a bank drive through atm turned off the engine to save fuel and it would not restart very low battery. it sounded like it was laboring to start earlier today also. Ok now to my question for about a month the charging gauge has been below medium and below where it normally shows. Would a dying battery, (Dead cell etc) cause the gauge to read low or should I be looking at a undercharging alternator? I'm inclined to think alternator since the gauge has been reading low for a while. What say you? Sorry it's a xlt 2000 4.0 sohc auto

 

[swetrid]

Put a voltmeter on the battery while running, should be around 14 volts. If lower probably needs alternator. You could also have battery checked for free at like Advance/Autozone.

 

[SoNic67]

Normal running voltage should be 14.4V (plus or minus 0.2V). If is something like 13V (or less) you need a new alternator...

 

[ThePhoenix]

check battery posts...mine were kinda cruddy...after a jiggle or two, mine started

but ultimately, it was the battery

try turning the key without starting it. what does battery gauge read?